The Science of Inclusion and Exclusion

Ostracism Research Highlighted at Science Festival

The FABBS Foundation and Howard University joined together at the 2012 USA Science and Engineering Festival to show how psychological scientists study ostracism, and why it’s important to learn about it. Students participated in a brief simulation, a face-to-face ball tossing game, and learned about some of the research findings. Students left the game with stickers reading “I Include” and committed to including other kids in activities at home or school.

Many students who swung by the interactive exhibit said that they were well aware of ostracism and that even before visiting the festival they have already reached out to include others at school and at home. One girl attending grade school told the researchers that when new children join her ballet class, she makes a point of welcoming them.

Festival officials reported that more than 150,000 people participated in the three-day event including students, teachers, military families, government officials and the press. At the FABBS Foundation-Howard University booth, thousands of kids received Frisbees that included a weblink to more information on the science of inclusion and exclusion.

Materials

Photo Gallery

FABBS Foundation would like to thank Lloyd Ren Sloan, PhD; Alison Dingwall, PhD; graduate student Candice Wallace; and Howard University psychology student volunteers Dominique Hubbard, Yolanda Murphy, Janea Reed, and Janene Cielto for sharing their work with the public. Their research on ostracism and their volunteer efforts help us better understand each other and ourselves.